How to Get Started
To get started in the Travel, Exposition and Meeting Management program, complete the admissions process at Richland College.
When you meet with an academic advisor, mention your interest in the Travel, Exposition and Meeting Management program so he or she can help you determine which courses you should take.
If you are planning to earn an associate degree or certificate, please note that you must complete 25 percent of your degree requirements at the college awarding the degree.
Tuition
Dallas County residents pay $123 per three-hour class — that’s $41 per credit hour, or less than $500 for a full semester load of 12 credit hours.
Compare that to what you’d pay elsewhere! See DCCCD tuition rates for tuition according to your place of residency.
Courses Offered (Curriculum)
Our catalog provides detailed information about the courses we offer and the courses required for the following associate degrees and certificates:
TEMM Information Sessions
Every July and November, TEMM information sessions are offered by Richland instructors with industry leaders to discuss:
- Career opportunities
- Educational pathways to various careers in the industry
- Industry trends
- Skills required for success in the travel profession
|
Sessions provide details on careers related to the tourism and hospitality industry, including:
- Meeting and event planner
- Trade show and exposition manager
- Travel agent
|
For details or specific dates on information sessions, please contact M.T. Hickman. Students considering entering the program in the fall semester should plan to attend the July session; students planning to start in the spring semester should attend the November session.
Developing Skills for Success
TEMM Mentor Program
The TEMM Connecting Generations Mentor Program pairs students with industry leaders each fall and spring semester. Students participating in this program join their mentors at industry events, communicate with them to discuss various class projects and spend time shadowing their mentors.
View From a Program Mentor
“As a 21-year trade show veteran, I have no doubt that interacting with industry professionals in the work setting gives students the best sense of what it takes to succeed as a professional in this industry. That’s the most significant aspect of the Richland College mentoring program. The mentees I have encountered benefited greatly from shadowing our staff on-site and witnessing what’s really involved in producing a solid event.
Our staff truly enjoyed having the students around and discussing all the aspects of a trade show. As a mentor, I experienced a sense of pride in sharing my company’s accomplishments as well as my personal role within the production schedule. Answering our mentee’s questions renewed my passion for what I do and how I do it.”
— Bonnie King, senior conference manager, Hanley Wood Exhibitions
View From a Student Mentee
“Working with Hanley Wood Exhibitions on their remodeling show was a terrific learning experience. I met with different team members in the weeks leading up to the expo to discuss their specific job duties and what qualifications are needed to perform their tasks. This allowed me to see what varied skills and jobs are required to put on a major trade show and get a better idea of what jobs I would be best suited for when pursuing my career.
Then I attended the trade show in Chicago and shadowed various staff members while they carried out their part of the show. I got a firsthand look at how a large trade show runs, both before and during the event. This opened my eyes to the possibilities that await me in this industry.”
— Sunny Royall, TEMM student
TEMM Travel Club for Students
The TEMM Travel Club provides students extracurricular opportunities that include competition, leadership, hands-on experience and networking. Activities include:
- Familiarization or “fam” trips: short, activity-packed destination excursions
- Fundraising activities such as bake sales, raffles and more
- General activities, including private tours and professional organization events
- Social events
- Opportunities to volunteer in the professional community to work at staff meetings, conventions and special events
- Competitions
|
Scholarship Opportunities for TEMM Students
A silent auction luncheon held each spring with industry leaders raises money for TEMM student scholarships. TEMM students work as a team to produce the event with the guidance of industry mentors, and area high school students studying tourism and hospitality are invited to attend this cross-generational experience.
The Joe Cortina TEMM Student Travel and Professional Development Fund offers students access to up to $200 in funds for travel and professional development, including:
- Registration fees for conferences and seminars
- Transportation expenses to conferences and seminars
- Admission fees for expositions and conventions
- Fees for familiarization trips
|
The TEMM Student Travel Club offers renewable scholarships requiring a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) maintained in TEMM classes for:
- High school graduates or high school seniors who have taken tourism and hospitality classes
- Dallas County residents taking TEMM classes
- Out-of-district residents taking TEMM classes
- International students on F1 visas taking TEMM classes
|
Industry organizations also offer scholarships to TEMM students:
- The Educational Foundation of the American Hotel & Lodging Association distributed more than $568,000 in scholarships to more than 350 students and hospitality professionals in 2008. It awards academic scholarships to students enrolled in U.S. undergraduate or graduate programs in hotel and restaurant management, culinary arts, travel and tourism and hotel administration.
- The Exhibition Industry Foundation (EIF) awards the Helen Brett Scholarship to individuals exploring the study of exhibition management, with four scholarships awarded in 2009.
- Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) has been providing scholarships since 1983 to students pursuing a career in hospitality sales and marketing. It also awards merit scholarships to full-time students in baccalaureate and graduate degree programs, as well as to part-time students in associate degree, baccalaureate and graduate programs.
- Meeting Professionals International (MPI) provides money towards undergraduate or graduate studies for MPI members. Application should be made three months in advance of the semester you are seeking scholarship money for; for more information see MPI Foundation Scholarship Q&A (PDF - 111KB).
- Tourism Cares awards several academic scholarships as part of the National Tour Association Scholarship Fund and American Society of Travel Agents Scholarship Fund.
|
Related Programs at DCCCD
Not sure exactly what you want to study? Consider these other programs at DCCCD that might interest you: the Food and Hospitality Institute, our Hospitality Management program or International Business and Trade.
Faculty Profiles
Our Travel, Exposition and Meeting Management faculty members have not only advanced degrees but also real-world experience, which makes them able to relate to the challenges you’ll face at work. Our instructors work closely with you one-on-one, encouraging you and helping you to succeed in school and in your career.
See profiles of some of our Travel, Exposition and Meeting Management faculty.
Transferring From DCCCD
Travel, Exposition and Meeting Management courses are designed for direct entry into the workforce. However, if you are interested in earning a degree at a four-year institution, please visit the Transfer Services Web site for guidance on the transfer process.
Links to Related Information
See links to more information about TEMM industry certifications, organizations and informational sites.
Contact Us
If you have questions about the Travel, Exposition and Meeting Management program that aren’t answered on our Web site, please feel free to contact us.